Bob Pettit Then and Now
By Cornell Scott / July 15, 2024
Bob Pettit Then
Bob Pettit, born on December 12, 1932, in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, initially faced setbacks in his basketball journey, being cut from his high school team as a freshman and sophomore.
Undeterred, Pettit committed himself to intensive practice, eventually leading his high school team to a state championship victory during his senior year.
He continued his basketball career at Louisiana State University (LSU) in Baton Rouge, where he became a two-time consensus All-American in 1953 and 1954.
His standout performances also propelled LSU to the Final Four in 1953, showcasing his emerging talent and determination.
Bob Pettit Career History
Selected by the Milwaukee Hawks with the second overall pick in the 1954 NBA draft, Bob Pettit quickly established himself as one of the NBA’s early dominant big men.
His versatile skills allowed him to play away from the basket, a rarity for players of his stature at the time.
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Pettit’s impact was immediate, earning him Rookie of the Year honors and All-NBA First Team selections in his debut season.
Throughout his 11-year career with the Hawks, later relocated to St. Louis, Pettit consistently led the team in scoring and rebounding, earning him multiple NBA scoring titles and MVP awards.
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Pettit’s crowning achievement came in 1958 when he led the Hawks to their first NBA championship, highlighted by his record-setting 50-point performance in the decisive sixth game of the finals against the Boston Celtics.
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By the time of his retirement in 1965, Pettit had amassed impressive career statistics, including 20,880 points and 12,851 rebounds in 792 regular-season games.
His legacy was further solidified with 10 All-NBA First Team selections, 11 All-Star Game appearances, induction into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 1970, and recognition as one of the 50 Greatest Players in NBA History in 1996.
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Bob Pettit Height
Bob Pettit, towering at a height of 2.06 meters (6 feet 9 inches), utilized his imposing stature and versatile skills to become one of the NBA’s pioneering big men, leaving an indelible mark on the league during his illustrious career.
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Bob Pettit Retirement
At the conclusion of the 1964-65 NBA season, Bob Pettit, then 32 years old, made the decision to retire from professional basketball, marking the end of an extraordinary career that had spanned 11 seasons.
Pettit retired as the NBA’s all-time leading scorer at that time, having amassed 20,880 points with an impressive scoring average of 26.4 points per game.
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His scoring prowess was complemented by his rebounding skills, as he ranked second all-time with 12,849 career rebounds.
Pettit’s retirement not only signified the conclusion of a statistical legacy but also marked the departure of a player who had profoundly influenced the game with his scoring ability and dominance on the court.
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His achievements and records stood as a testament to his exceptional talent and dedication throughout his career, earning him a lasting place in the annals of NBA history and securing his legacy as one of the game’s greatest players.
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Bob Pettit Wife
Bob Pettit’s personal life included a long and committed marriage to his wife Carole, who sadly passed away in 2010.
Together, they raised three children and were proud grandparents to 10 grandchildren.
Throughout his career and after retirement, Pettit maintained a close-knit family life, balancing the demands of professional basketball with the joys of family life.
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Carole’s support undoubtedly played a significant role in Pettit’s success on and off the court, providing him with stability and a strong foundation amidst the pressures of athletic achievement.
Beyond his basketball accomplishments, Pettit cherished his role as a husband, father, and grandfather, leaving a legacy of family values and enduring love that complemented his storied career in the NBA.
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Bob Pettit Now
At 91 years old, Bob Pettit remains a revered figure in the world of basketball as an American former professional player who spent his entire 11-season NBA career with the Milwaukee/St. Louis Hawks.
Pettit’s impact on the game was profound, highlighted by his pioneering achievements and accolades.
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He made history in 1956 as the inaugural recipient of the NBA’s Most Valuable Player Award, recognizing his exceptional contributions to the sport.
Pettit’s dominance continued throughout his career, earning him a second MVP title in 1959, further solidifying his place among the NBA’s elite.
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Beyond regular-season accolades, Pettit’s prowess extended to the All-Star Game arena, where he earned the NBA All-Star Game MVP award a remarkable four times.
His ability to perform at the highest level in both individual and team settings exemplified his skill and dedication to the sport.
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Today, Pettit’s legacy endures not only through his statistical achievements—such as his record-setting scoring and rebounding—but also through his influence on subsequent generations of basketball players.
His contributions to the game, recognized by his induction into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 1970, continue to inspire fans and aspiring athletes alike, cementing his status as a true basketball legend.
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FAQs
Bob Pettit retired from professional basketball at the age of 32 after the 1964-65 NBA season.
He decided to call it quits despite still being highly productive because he felt it was the right time to end his career on a high note and pursue other interests outside of basketball.
Bob Pettit was exceptional, known as one of the NBA’s early dominant big men.
He was a two-time NBA MVP (1956, 1959), a 10-time All-NBA First Team selection, and an 11-time NBA All-Star. Pettit’s scoring and rebounding abilities were remarkable, and he set records that stood for years after his retirement.
There is no known familial relation between Bob Pettit, the basketball player, and Robert E. Lee, the Confederate general.
Bob Pettit attended Louisiana State University (LSU) in Baton Rouge, where he played college basketball and achieved All-American status.
Bob Pettit primarily played as a power forward and center during his NBA career.
His versatility allowed him to score both inside and outside the paint, making him a formidable presence on the court.
Bob Pettit was selected in the 1954 NBA Draft with the second overall pick by the Milwaukee Hawks (later the St. Louis Hawks).
He made an immediate impact in the league, earning Rookie of the Year honors and beginning a storied career in professional basketball.